Sheathing tie down

ABSTRACT

A metal connector that securely ties together sheathing and the underlying structural members on a wood frame house. The connector correctly spaces each adjoining sheet with a slight gap to avoid buckling. The connector has a large surface area above the sheathing with precise nailholes to avoid sheathing splitting and assuring correct attachment to the underlying structural member. The connector can be used on roofs, walls, and floors. The connector grasps the sheathing and wraps around structural members to avoid detachment during hurricanes. The connector fashions sheathing into strong shearwalls to avoid building damage during earthquakes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to an innovative connector that positively holdsdown sheathing to create buildings that are stronger and more resistantto earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and strong winds.

2. Description of Prior Art

Background

Recent studies of hurricane damage on wood-frame buildings indicate thatthe most extensive destruction to a house by strong winds, was when theroof sheathing was torn off and rain ruined everything in the house.

Roof sheathing ties all the rafters together on a wood frame house, andthe roof sheathing ties all the roof trusses together when a masonry orwood-frame house is constructed with trusses. The roof sheathing helpsprevent the trusses from racking, or tilting perpendicular to theirlength.

Sheathing that is tightly secured to the roof and subsequently fastenedto the walls, helps transfer uplifting forces to the walls andhenceforth to the foundation. If the roof sheathing fails, the trussescollapse, and the walls usually fall down as they can not stand bythemselves against strong winds.

Failure and loss of the roof sheathing is common during hurricanes,mainly because of inadequate fastening of the roof sheathing to theunderlying structural members. The roof system provides stability to ahouse by bracing the tops of exterior and interior load-bearing walls.

Sheet metal joints perform better than nailed joints in high winds andduring seismic activity. Strong connectors, secured by well placedfasteners, will insure that the major structural members of a house aresecurely tied together.

Hurricanes

Studies of damage after Hurricane Andrew show several problems with theattachment of roof sheathing that this invention solves. Some sheets ofroof sheathing that were blown off houses contained no nailholes,indicating that the sheet was placed in position, but was not naileddown. Some roofing sheets had nails in them that had missed the rafterthat they should have been nailed upon. Some sheets had staples or nailsthat had rusted away, and on some sheets the nails had just pulled outfrom the rafter.

The engineering staff of the American Plywood Association providedtechnical personnel to assess the damage from Hurricane Andrew inFlorida. The majority of wood structural sheathing failures wereattributed to improper connection details, and in every caseinvestigated, the sheathing loss was a result of improper nailing(Keith, 1992).

These problems have not been solved because staples are still used totie down roof sheathing, and by looking at new construction, nails arestill seen poking through the roof sheathing, completely missing theroof rafter. Most conscientious framers would drive another nail whenthey felt the nail miss the underlying rafter, but with the new powerednail guns, the framer can not tell if the rafter was missed because eachshot feels the same, no matter what the nail is being driven into.

Earthquakes

During an earthquake, the floor, wall, and roof diaphragms undergoshearing and bending. The shear forces from the roof boundary membersare transferred to the top of the shear wall by way of toenails orblocking to the top plate. To withstand and transfer the shear loads,plywood sheets have to be spliced together to prevent adjoining edgesfrom sliding past or over each other (Gray, 1990).

Butted together on the centerline of a 2 by (nominally 1½-inches-wide),you've only got ¾ inch bearing for each plywood sheet, so the nail hasto be ⅜ inch from the edge. This leaves little margin for error, andnailing has to be done with care to avoid splitting the plywood andmissing or splitting the underlying member (Gray, 1990).

Tests at the University of California show that plywood secured byoverdriven nails, nails that penetrated the plywood beyond the firstveneer (usually by a powered nailgun), failed suddenly and at loads farbelow those carried by correctly nailed plywood panels (Gray, 1990).

Steel connectors, between different components of a wood-framebuilding's superstructure, provide continuity so that the building willmove as a unit in response to seismic activity (Yanev, 1974).

Prior Art

A number of connectors have been developed to tie together thestructural members of a house under construction. Up until thisinvention, nobody had seen how to make a compact connector that couldtie two or more sheathing sheets together and to the underlyingstructural members, or could be applied from the top of the roof.

Some prior art prevents uplift, but this invention not only preventsuplift during hurricane-force winds, but prevents lateral movementduring earthquakes.

The Simpson Strong-Tie Co.'s January 1996 catalog (page 62) lists a PSCLPlywood Sheathing Clip. This clip provides a gap and aligns sheathingbut does not tie the sheathing to underlying structural members orprevent uplift or lateral movement. No other sheathing ties were foundin their catalog, but they do show several seismic and hurricane ties onpages 60-61.

Several of their ties “neck down” at right angle bends. The H2, H2.5,H3, H4, H5, and H7 become narrower at their right angle bends. This isalso seen on the flat pattern layout for the H4 and H5 on U.S. Pat. No.4,714,372 by Commins. The “notch effect” shown in this patent is alsoavoided on my invention because of the smooth bends and edges.

A prior art roof securing system by Llorens, U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,460ties down a single sheet of roof sheathing to a support beam. This is agood connector, but it is long, and can only tie down one-size ofsheathing. It must be hammered around the beam from below, but panelsare installed from above the roof. Llorens' 460 can only tie down onepanel and provides little lateral support.

Another sheathing strap and alignment guide by Nellessen, U.S. Pat. No.5,423,156 shows an apparatus for securing sheathing using a long strap,connecting bands, and saddles. This is a good connector, but it is long,complicated, and must be installed from below the roof. With sheathingin place, this is difficult. Nellessen's 156 can only tie down panels ofone size.

According to the magazine Fine Homebuilding, October/November, 1998,sheathing courses should begin with either a full or half sheet. Thecourse of sheathing at the top row and beginning row are often odd-size,in order to get a reasonable width of sheathing on the top row.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are that ithelps secure the roof, wall, and floor of a building to keep thebuilding from being destroyed by hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

This invention helps prevent the wall of a building from detaching fromthe wall studs during a hurricane or earthquake. It makes the wall intoa stable shearwall, transferring shear forces into the foundation andground.

This invention helps prevent the roof of a building from detaching fromthe rafters or roof trusses during a hurricane. It ties the roofsheathing securely to the underlying rafter or roof trusses,transferring lateral and uplift forces to the walls and to thefoundation.

This invention helps prevent the floor of a building from detaching fromthe floor joists during an earthquake. It makes the floor into ahorizontal shear wall, and helps the floor resist lateral forces in itshorizontal plane. It also makes sure that any forces transferred fromthe roof and wall can be managed by the floor and transferred properlyto the ground.

One object of this invention is to make each plywood structure on ahouse into a shearwall, that is, able to transfer forces withoutbreaking or disconnecting. By tying the plywood securely to theunderlying structural member, the plywood can reliably transfer anddissipate shear, lateral, and uplift forces to the ground.

During an earthquake or a hurricane, another object is for the buildingwith my invention to move as a sturdy unit, resisting and transferringdestructive forces to the ground. Mounted on the roof sheathing andrafter, my invention resists uplift, the most destructive force during ahurricane. Mounted on the wall stud and wall sheathing, my inventionprevents the wall sheathing from being blown off or sucked out by theextreme negative pressure of a hurricane. Mounted on the floor sheathingand floor joists, my invention prevents the floor from separating, if itshould get wet during a hurricane.

During an earthquake, when my invention is mounted on the roof, walls,and floors, they will turn each member into a shear wall. The securedplywood will absorb and dissipate earth movements, without becomingdetached from the underlying structural members. It will also preventthe sheathing from sliding over or past each other.

This could improve a house to existing building codes, as sheet metaljoints have been proven to perform better than nailed joints duringhurricanes and earthquakes.

Another object of this invention is the large surface area on the top oroutside part of the sheathing. This area prevents the plywood sheathingfrom splitting during nailing. The large surface area provides morestrength in the connecting or hold-down process.

Still another advantage is the accurately placed nailholes on theinvention. These nailholes prevent nails from splitting the plywood orunderlying rafter, stud, or joist, by making the framer place nails atthe correct and accurate location.

Another advantage is that the invention prevents overdriven nails frompenetrating the fragile outer veneer of the plywood sheathing. Theaccurately placed nailholes prevent the nailhead from piercing the outerveneer of the plywood.

Another advantage is that some nails, on the invention, are driven intothe strong broad side of a rafter, stud, or joist. The invention alsowraps around each structural member, forming a very strong connection tothe sheathing, preventing the nails from pulling out.

Yet another advantage of this invention is during earthquakes, nails cansometimes bend with the movements of the house, but screws often break.Even though screws hold tighter than nails and provide a tightconnection against uplifting forces from hurricanes, they are lessresistant against earth movements. This invention absorbs and transmitsmost of the forces during an earthquake and hurricane so nails and/orscrews can be used as fasteners.

Another advantage is that since the invention absorbs and transfersearthquake and hurricane forces, less nails and nailing could be used.Also, screws could be used in the invention in earthquake areas withless fear that the heads will shear off.

Still another advantage of the invention is in the ability to preventplywood sheets from sliding past or over each other during anearthquake. Previously, only nails had to shear, but this entireconnector must be sheared for the plywood to slide.

Another advantage is that plywood panels should not be butt togethertightly or they may buckle when they expand due to heat or humidity. Aslight gap should be left between panels. This invention provides aslight gap between each plywood panel that the invention is installedupon.

Still another advantage is that with the roof sheathing firmly attachedto the rafters, roofing material will have a better chance of staying onduring strong winds and earth movements. In addition, with the sheathingfirmly connected, new materials may be attached to the roof, such assolar electric panels, without fear of them being blown off.

In areas with brush or forest fire danger, fire-proof material or heavymaterial, such as tile, stone or metal, can be applied to the roof withless danger of being blown or shaken off during earth tremors or highwinds.

When the invention is applied to the studs and wall sheathing,fire-proof materials such as stucco or brick veneer can be applied tothe sheathing with less chance of being shaken off during earthmovements.

When the invention is applied to the floor joists and floor sheathing,the interior load-bearing walls can have a horizontal shear wall, insidethe house, to help transfer earth movements.

Earth tremors and hurricanes always destroy the weakest parts of ahouse. By making each envelope of a house, the vertical walls,horizontal floors, and roof envelope into a strong unit, there will beless damage.

Another advantage is that the building contractor or a buildinginspector can visually inspect the roof sheathing, wall sheathing, andflooring for correct tie down, and can be assured that all the nailshave been correctly placed. Previously, a visual inspection could notdetermine if the sheathing or flooring was properly applied and secured.

Still another advantage is that the invention can hold downstandard-size or odd-size sheathing. According to Fine Homebuilding,October/November, 1998, sheathing courses should begin either with afull or half sheet. The course at the top row and beginning row areoften odd-size, so that a reasonable width of sheathing is on the toprow.

An advantage is that the framer can more accurately determine where theunderlying structural member is located because the tie is on top of thesheathing, in line with the member.

Another advantage is the invention is easily used with current framingmethods. The invention is installed from the top side of the sheathingso the framer doesn't have to go under the sheathing, which can bedangerous.

Nailguns can be used to attach this invention if the nail protrudes fromthe gun, prior to being driven. Nailguns can be used to apply nails tothe sheathing and underlying rafter in-between the installed inventions,just like conventional construction. Screw guns can be used as well.

Still another advantage of this invention is when it is applied to thefloor joist and floor sheathing, it will keep each sheet of sheathing aslight distance from each other helping prevent squeaks. Also, after ahouse is built, the wood floor joists and plywood shrink at differentrates, causing gaps between them. By being tightly secured with myinvention, any gaps will be insignificant, averting any squeaks.

Still another object is that the invention is thin so that a covering orunderlayment can be easily applied. There is no “notch” effect wheresharp corners or bends can cause stress points. All bends and edges aresmooth, also, there is no “necking down” of the crossing member at rightangle bends. The saddle and ribs are constant width for strength. Anangled saddle would be necked down in order to offset the ribs.

It is a further object of this invention that it easily, quickly, andeconomically protects houses from the destructive forces of earthquakesand hurricanes. It is a still further object that the connectors andfasteners are strong, attractive, permanent, functional, uncomplicated,simple to manufacture, easy to install, and economical. All of theembodiments can be made from a single sheet metal blank, without anywelding. Nesting of the ties during manufacturing prevents wastedmaterial.

A further object is that this invention can be used on various sizesheathing, rafters, roof trusses, studs, wood or metal I-beams, trussjoint, and glue-lams, all made from wood or metal. There may beinsurance discounts for homeowners who have this invention installed ontheir houses.

Previously, architects, engineers, and builders did not know howimportant the attachment of plywood sheathing was to the roof, walls,and floors. It was thought that the weight of the roof would keep thesheathing attached during a storm. Prior to this invention, no thoughthad been given to the floor as a horizontal shear wall during anearthquake.

These and other objectives of the invention are achieved by simple andeconomical connectors that allow a builder to quickly and easily securethe weakest parts of a building against earth tremors and high winds.

Advantages of each will be discussed in the description. Further objectsand advantages of my invention will become apparent from a considerationof the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the invention holding down sheathing.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a long tie and sheathing.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a long tie.

FIG. 2C is a flat pattern layout for a long tie.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an edge tie and sheathing.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an edge tie.

FIG. 3C is a flat pattern layout for an edge tie.

FIG. 4 is a flat pattern layout for a ½ edge tie.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a wrap tie and wire lock.

FIG. 5B is a top view of a sheathing lock.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a sheathing lock.

FIG. 6 shows locations of ties.

FIG. 7 is a flat pattern layout of an advanced sheathing tie.

FIG. 8 is a flat pattern layout of prior art showing a neck down.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

1. Long tie

2. Edge tie

3. Saddle

3A. Left saddle bend

3B. Right saddle bend

3C. ½ left wing

4. Left wing

4A. Left traverse bend

5. Left tab

5A. Left cross bend

6. Left span

7. Right wing

7A. Right traverse bend

8. Right tab

8A. Upset

9. Right span

9A. Right cross bend

10A. Field nailholes

10B. Ample nailholes

10C. Centerline

11. Right trap

12. Left trap

13. Post saddle

13A. Left balanced bend

13B. Right balanced bend

14. Left stability rib

14A. Left step bend

14B. Contiguous nailholes

15. Right stability rib

15A. Right step bend

16. Left tread tab

16A. Left rung bend

17. Right tread tab

17A. Right rung bend

18. Left riser tab

18A. Left ascent bend

19. Right riser tab

19A. Right ascent bend

20. Left grasp

20A. Border nailholes

21. Right grasp

21A. Heath nailholes

22. ½ long tie

23. Wrap tie

24. Wire lock

25. Plate

26. Wire

27. Locking plate

28. ½ edge tie

29. Nailholes

30. Stop

31. Advanced tie

32. Prior art

R. Rafter

S. Sheathing

DESCRIPTION FIG. 1

FIG. 1 shows the preferred location of the invention tieing down roofsheathing S on rafters R. This drawing could also be of the top chordsin a roof truss, and roof sheathing; sub-flooring on floor joists; oroutside sheathing on wall studs, since the invention can work in eachlocation. When describing the rafter, the words “truss chord”, “wallstud” and “floor joist” could be substituted, but for ease of writingand reading, this example will be of a rafter.

FIG. 1 shows two embodiments of the invention. Plywood sheathing isnormally laid down so one edge is on the centerline of a rafter R,parallel to the rafter, and the adjacent edge spanning or crossing therafters. FIG. 1 shows a long tie 1 securely tying down the sheathing Swhere it is spanning or crossing the underlying rafters R. An edge tie 2is shown lashing down the sheathing edge, parallel to the length of arafter R.

The bottom part of the invention wraps around the structural member andthe top part of the invention cross over the member and holds downsheathing. Crossing over the opposite sheathing makes the sheathing torafter connection very strong, and resistant to tension, shear, andtorsion forces. Hurricane forces try to lift up the sheathing (tension)and twist the sheathing (torsion). Earthquake forces try to slide onesheet of sheathing over another (shear) and twist the sheathing(torsion).

Both the long tie 1 and edge tie 2 prevent the above forces from rippingthe sheathing from the underlying structural members, by wrapping aroundthe member and sheathing. Each tie holds down more than one sheet ofplywood, preventing the edges of the plywood from sliding past or overeach other during earthquakes.

FIG. 2A

FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a long tie 1 tieing down threesheets of plywood sheathing. The plywood sheathing could be anymaterial, such as oriented strand board, insulation board, or particleboard. Staggering (see FIG. 6) the sheets of plywood is common, so fiveedges of three sheets of sheathing can meet on a rafter.

Sheathing sheets S1, S2, and S3 meet at the long tie 1. The sheet at S3is cut away to show how the long tie 1 is attached to the rafter.

FIG. 2A shows how the long tie 1 is fashioned and used. The unitarymetal body 3 wraps under the narrow edge of a rafter R. Right anglebends at the right saddle bend 3B and the left saddle bend 3A wraps thefirst side rib 7 and second side rib 4 respectively, along the widedimension of the rafter.

The ample nailholes 10B are in slightly different locations on the firstside rib 7 and second side rib 4, so that driven nails are not exactlyopposite each other or in the same plane. Hence, the nails will notsplit the rafter or hit each other. Nails driven through ample nailholes10B, and the wrapping of the saddle 3 around the rafter R, tie the longtie 1 to the rafter R.

A right angle bend at the right traverse bend 7A, forms the first offset8. A right angle bend at the left traverse bend 4A forms the secondoffset 5. The first offset 8 and second offset 5 are stabilizingstrength ribs that prevent lateral or rocking motion.

A right angle bend at the right cross bend 9A and the left cross bend 5Aform the right span 9 and left span 6 respectively. Since the spans 9and 6 are perpendicular to the rafter, they help prevent the sheathingfrom twisting due to lateral and shear forces. They also help make theroof into a shear wall, transferring these forces into the wall andground.

An extension off the right span 9, called the right trap 11, is parallelto the underlying rafter. An extension off the left span 6, called theleft trap 12, is parallel to the underlying rafter. The traps 11 and 12hold down sheathing and also help transfer earthquake and hurricaneforces into the wall and ground.

In FIG. 2A, the right span 9 and right trap 11 cover a singular sheet ofplywood S1, while the left span 6 and left trap 12 cover two sheets ofplywood sheathing S2 and S3. The wide surface area of the right span 9and right trap 11, and left span 6 and left trap 12, covers theimportant edges of the sheathing, spreading the load like a washer,preventing splitting of the sheathing.

Most 2×4's or 2×6's are only 1½-inches-wide. If two sheets of plywoodare to be nailed along this rafter, there can only be ¾ inch of nailingspace for each one. Optimally, a nail should be driven ⅜ inch from theedge. This will insure that the nail will not split the plywood, andthat the nail will be in the nailing edge or “meat” of the underlyingrafter.

If the nail is driven just ⅛ inch closer to the edge of the plywood, thenail may split the plywood. This nail will not properly hold down theplywood, making it prone to moving, sliding, squeaking, or uplift.

If the nail is driven just ⅛ inch further away from the edge of theplywood, the nail may split the edge of the underlying rafter or maymiss the rafter entirely.

Mostly parallel to the long dimension of the left trap 11, are slightlystaggered nailholes called field nailholes 10A. The field nailholes 10Aare approximately {fraction (3\8)} inch from the centerline of theunderlying rafter.

Installing nails or screws into the field nailholes 10A, and through thesheathing, assures that the fasteners will be near the center of therafter R, not on the weak edge. Since the field nailholes 10A are not inan exact line, they will avoid splitting the narrow rafter.

The right trap 12 also has the same field nailholes 10A, but they arealso in an optimal position where two sheets of sheathing lie on thecenterline of the rafter. In this case, nails driven into the fieldnailholes 10A will grab onto the optimal segment of the underlyingsheathing S2 and S3, approximately ⅜ inch in from the edge of theplywood, without splitting the plywood. These nails will also be drivennear the centerline of the rafter, avoiding the weak edge.

In FIG. 2A, if framers are installing a roof, from the left to theright, the long tie 1 can be spread apart slightly, by putting one'sleft hand on the left trap 12 and one's right hand on the right trap 11,and pulling out. In this manner the first side rib 7 and second side rib4 will flare out so the unitary metal body 3 can be placed under therafter R and pulled up. The left trap 12 would then be placed over thetwo sheathing sheets S2 and S3, and the other sheet of sheathing S1would be placed down and under the right trap 11. Nails or screws wouldthen be placed in the appropriate nailholes.

The metal of the traps 11 and 12 prevents nails from “overdriving” andpenetrating the first layer of the underlying plywood. This makes for astrong fastener connection. The metal forms a “washer” or large surfacearea to prevent wood splitting and giving more surface area to helpsecure the roof sheathing, but is not thick enough to cause problemswith the overlayment of roofing materials.

The correct spacing between the sheathing sheets S1 and S2 is formed bythe first offset 8 and second offset 5. The correct spacing betweensheathing sheets S2 and S3 is formed by an edge tie 2, described later.This spacing prevents the sheets from buckling, due to heat or humidity.Nailguns, nails or screws would fasten the rest of the sheathingaccording to standard building codes. The centerline 10C would helpframers line up their nails and nailguns on the rafter between ties.

Prior to this invention, framers were not sure of how far the correctspacing should be between sheets of plywood, or even if there should bea spacing. The spacing will now be automatic when a long tie 1 and edgetie 2 are used together. An upset 8A, a small dimple, could be stampedat the factory to increase spacing.

If FIG. 2A was of a floor joist and overlying floor sheathing, thesaddle 3 would still wrap under the joist, and the correct spacingbetween sheets would be formed by the first offset 8 and second offset5.

This spacing between sheets prevents the floor sheathing from bucklingand also prevents two adjacent sheets from rubbing up and down againsteach other. Tongue and groove plywood would reduce squeaking, but isseldom available, so standard plywood is normally used.

Most floors have an irritating squeak when two adjacent sheets of floorsheathing scrape against each other when stepped upon. This inventionsecurely ties each adjacent sheet of plywood to each other, whileleaving a slight gap, and to the underlying joist.

After a house is built, the joist and plywood shrink at different rates,sometimes causing a gap between the joist and sheathing. Movement acrossthis gap will cause it to squeak. Simple nailing will not prevent a gap.The first offset 8 and second offset 5 will securely hold the sheathingto the joist, even if the woods shrink at different rates, preventinggaps and subsequent squeaks.

An edge tie 2, shown on FIG. 1, ties the edge of a sheet of sheathing Son to the edge of the underlying rafter R. The edge tie 2 is similar tothe long tie 1, having numerous bends that strengthen the connection andwrap around the underlying rafter. The edge tie 2 is simple to make anduse.

FIG. 2B

FIG. 2B shows a long tie 1 prior to being placed around a rafter.Although the long tie 1 is very strong, it gains the most strength whenthe right trap 11 and left trap 12 are nailed to sheathing and anunderlying rafter, forming a strong box-like structure. As shown here,the top can be separated, hinging slightly at the right saddle bend 3Band the left saddle bend 3A, to wrap around a rafter.

FIG. 2B shows how the unitary metal body 3, the first side rib 7, secondside rib 4, right span 9, and left span 6 form a strong box-likestructure. The first offset 8 and second offset 5 are perpendicular tothis formed box, preventing lateral movement. The right trap 11 and lefttrap 12 prevent uplift, and the left span 6 and right span 9 preventracking of the sheathing.

FIG. 2C

FIG. 2C shows a flat pattern layout of a long tie 1 with all of thepreviously mentioned parts and bends labeled. The long tie 1 would beformed by simple tool and die methods of metal stamping and forming ofbends.

FIG. 2C also shows how each long tie 1 “nests” with each other savingmaterial and costs during manufacturing.

The long tie 1 could be formed with the left trap 12 and right trap 11not bent at a right angle at the left and right cross bends 5A and 9Arespectively.

With the traps 11 and 12 coming straight up, carpenters could bend downthe traps over odd thickness sheathing. This would allow the long tie 1to fit different dimension sheathing.

FIG. 3A

FIG. 3A shows an edge tie 2 securing a sheet of sheathing S2 to anunderlying rafter R. A post saddle 13, wraps under the rafter R. Rightangle bends at the left balance bend 13A and at the right balance bend13B create the left stability rib 14 and right stability rib 15respectively.

At the summit of the left stability rib 14 are right angle bends andtabs. At the top of the left stability rib 14 is a right angle bend,called the left step bend 14A, which serves to form a step around therafter and on to the adjacent sheathing.

The left step bend 14A forms the left tread tab 16, which sits on top ofthe rafter R. A right angle bend at the left rung bend 16A forms theleft riser tab 18, which spaces the plywood sheathing to preventbuckling.

A right angle bend at the left ascent bend 18A forms the left grasp 20which secures plywood sheathing on the right. For clarity, the plywoodsheet is not shown under the right grasp 21. The left grasp 20 containsborder nailholes 20A, that are approximately ⅜ inch from the left ascentbend 18A. This arrangement of nailholes puts the fasteners at theoptimal part of the plywood sheathing S2, without causing splitting ofthe sheathing, but also insures that the fastener travels into theunderlying rafter without missing or splitting the edge of the rafter.

The angle of the left stability tab 14 and right stability tab 15 offseteach tab so the left grasp 20 and right grasp 21 are separate from eachother, and not directly opposite each other. The nails in the contiguousnailholes 14B will not be across from each other, or be in the sameplane, helping to prevent splitting of the rafter.

Installation of the edge tie 2 is simple. By pulling the left grasp 20to the right, and the right grasp 21 to the left, the tie will hingeslightly at the left and right balanced bends 13A and 13B respectivelyopening up and separating the left tread tab 16 and right tread tab 17.

In this manner, the post saddle 13 can be pulled up from below therafter R and the left stability rib 14 and right stability rib 15 willbe against the rafter. Nails can then be driven into the contiguousnailholes 14B, holding the edge tie 2 in position for the sheathing. Thesheathing would then be slid into position and screwed or nailed downthrough border nailholes 20A and heath nailholes 21A.

The ties can be installed to the rafter before putting down the next rowof sheathing, by wrapping the ties around the rafters and pulling theminto position, next to the sheathing. Nails driven down through bordernailholes 20A are correctly spaced to grip the optimum part of thesheathing and penetrate the “meat” of the rafter without splitting theplywood or rafter. The gap between the sheathing sheets S2 and S3prevents the sheets from buckling, due to heat or humidity.

Nail guns can be used to attach this invention if the nail protrudesfrom the gun prior to being driven. Screw guns are almost as fast andwill secure the invention better than nails.

FIG. 3B

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of an edge tie 2 before being installedaround a rafter. This view could also be a mirror image of FIG. 3A,showing how the left stability tab 14 and right stability tab 15 couldbe angled right. Most of the right side of the tie can be seen here thatwas hidden behind the rafter in FIG. 3A.

A right angled bend at the right balanced bend 13B, off the post saddle13, forms the right stability rib 15. The parallelogram-shaped ribcontains a contiguous nailhole 14B, for attachment to the side of arafter. The saddle and ribs hold the sides and bottom of the tiesecurely to the rafter.

On top of the stability rib 15, a right angled bend, called the rightstep bend 15A, forms the right tread tab 17. This tab helps hold the topof the tie securely to the rafter. This tab also forms the correctdistance, approximately ¾ inch, for the plywood sheet to rest against.

This space allows two plywood sheets to have the optimum span on therafter without measuring. Ordinarily, a framer would measure or“eyeball” the measurement and gap, so that both adjacent sheets wouldhave the same amount shouldered on the rafter.

Because of maneuvering, hammering, wind, mis-measurement, or warpedrafters, one sheet might have 1 inch on the rafter, and the other sheetwould only have ½ inch on the rafter. Many of the nails on this sheetwould be mis-applied. This error may continue down the line of sheathinginstallation.

Now a framer can just wrap an edge tie 2 around a rafter and slide thesheathing underneath. The gap between sheets would automatically be setby the left and right riser tabs 18 and 19, formed by the right angledbends at the left and right rung bends 16A and 17A respectively. Thecorrect distance on the left and right tread tabs 16 and 17, wouldautomatically set both sheathing sheets to have about ¾ inch on theunderlying rafter.

A right angled bend at the right ascent bend 19A forms the right grasp21. Border nailholes 20A, spaced at approximately ⅜ inch from thecenterline of the rafter, would automatically be aligned at the correctlocation for proper nailing.

FIG. 3C

FIG. 3C shows a flat pattern layout of an edge tie 2 with all of thepreviously mentioned parts and bends labeled. The edge tie 2 can beformed by simple tool and die methods of metal stamping and forming ofbends.

The edge tie 2 could be formed with the left grasp 20 and right grasp 21not bent at a right angle at the left and right ascent bends 18A and 19Arespectively.

With the grasps 20 and 21 coming straight up, carpenters could bend downthe grasps over odd thickness sheathing. This would allow the edge tie 2to fit different dimension sheathing.

FIG. 3C also shows how the edge tie 2 “nests” and will save material andcosts during manufacturing.

Similar to how the ½ long tie 22 is formed, a narrower sheet could befed into the tool and die to form a ½ edge tie 28. The sheet could befed in from the left balanced bend 13A to the right grasp 21. The rightbalanced bend 13B would not be bent in a ½ edge tie 28 making the rightstability rib 15 long and flat.

Similar to how the ½ long tie 22 works, the ½ edge tie 28 would have thelong right stability rib 15 nailed to the long side of a 2×6, 2×8, orwider, or doubled-up 2×4's. Another ½ long tie 28 can be installed onthe opposite side of the rafter increasing strength.

FIG. 4

Refer now to FIG. 4 which shows a flat pattern layout for a ½ long tie22 formed from the same tool and die that makes a long tie 1. By runninga narrower sheet in the die, FIG. 4 shows that this ½ long tie 22 hasthe right part of a long tie 1.

By having just one tab, the right trap 11, the ½ long tie 22 can be usedon the lower edge of the first row of sheathing, without any cutting orhammering on a left trap 12. Otherwise, on the first row, the left trap12 would be sticking out if a long tie 1 were used in this location.

The unitary metal body 3 would still be under the rafter. The first siderib 7 would be on one side of the rafter and the ½ second side rib 3Cwould be nailed to the opposite side. This would secure the leading edgeof sheathing against uplift and lateral movement.

The ½ long tie 22 has other advantages as it can be used in otherlocations. Sometimes rafters are doubled up for strength; somepost-and-beam type of houses use large timbers; and some house areconstructed with rafters of different widths, such as 2×4's, 2×6's, and2×8's.

By not bending the left saddle bend 3A or right saddle bend 3B, thefirst side rib 7, unitary metal body 3, and ½ left wing 3C would all beflat and in the same plane. This broad surface can then be nailed to theside of any thickness rafter.

Another ½ long tie 22 could be placed on the opposite side of thisrafter. The right trap 11 would face in the opposite direction to holddown a different sheet of sheathing. By incorporating two ½ long ties 22on opposite sides of the same rafter, the resistance to uplift andlateral movement of the sheathing is increased tremendously.

FIG. 5A

Refer now to FIG. 5A which shows a perspective view of a wrap tie 23, anembodiment of an edge tie 2. The wrap tie 23 is very similar to an edgetie 2 except for the rung bends 16A and 17A. The left step bend 14A andright step bend 15A are the same as on the edge tie 2, but the left rungbend 16A and right rung bend 17A are not bent.

By not bending the rung bends 16A and 17A, this places the left grasp 20and right grasp 21 facing down the sides of the rafter due to bends atthe left ascent bend 18A and right ascent bend 19A.

Before the wrap tie 23 is installed on a rafter, a wire lock 24 isinserted underneath. The wrap tie 23 and wire lock 24 can be installedon a rafter prior to being placed on the roof, or the wrap tie 23 can bespread apart between the left grasp 20 and right grasp 21 by bending outat the left balanced bend 13A and right balanced bend 13B.

The wrap tie 23 is then wrapped around the rafter R, with the wire lock24 inserted underneath, and the left grasp 20 and right grasp 21 nailedto the side of the rafter R. The wrap tie 23 and wire lock 24 aresecured to the rafter R with slight movement allowable on the wire lock24.

The wire lock 24 consists of a flat plate 25 with a stiff wire 26attached. The thickness and shape of the wire 26 can be altered fordifferent gaps between sheets of sheathing S. The height of the wire 26is slightly higher than the sheathing S.

FIG. 5A shows a wrap tie 23 and wire lock 24 secured to a rafter R and asheet of sheathing S slid next to the right side of the wire 26. Thethickness of the wire 26 forms the gap, and the height is slightly abovethe sheathing S. The height above the sheathing is approximately equalto the thickness of a locking plate 27. For different thicknesses ofsheathing, such as ⅝ or ¾ inch or metric, a different height of wire 26could be used in the wire lock 24.

Another sheet of sheathing S would be inserted on the left, covering thewrap tie 23 and wire lock 24 with just the top and some of the side ofthe wire 26 exposed. With the sheathing laid down, a locking plate 27(FIG. 5B) is installed and nailed down.

FIG. 5B

Refer now to FIG. 5B which shows a top view of a locking plate 27installed through the wire 26 of a wire lock 24. The locking plate 27 issecured to the sheathing S and underlying rafter R with nails throughthe accurately positioned nailholes 29. This locking plate 27 is holdingdown three sheets of sheathing S1, S2, and S3.

The locking plate 27 is a generally rectangular flat plate with stops 30on opposite sides and the same distance apart as the width of the wire26 on a wire lock 24.

With the wire 26 sticking up between sheets of sheathing S, the rightend of the locking plate 27 is inserted through the wire 26 until thebottom stop 30 is against the wire 26. The left part of the lockingplate 27 is then rotated clockwise until the top stop 30 is against theother side of the wire 26.

With the stops 30 against the wire 26, the nailholes 29 are positionedso they will be directly above the rafter R and ⅜ inch from the edges ofthe sheathing S. Nails or screws can then be used to fasten the lockingplate 27 to the sheathing S and Rafter R.

FIG. 5B also shows a flat pattern layout of a locking plate 27 thatwould “nest” with each other, saving material and costs.

FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of the locking plate 27 and wire lock24.

FIG. 6

Refer now to FIG. 6 which shows a top view of sheathing being installedon a roof. The first row of sheathing sheets S2 and S3 were normal-sized4×8 sheets that have been ripped down to 3×8 in order to get areasonable width of sheathing on the last row. Along the leading edge, acritical edge that must be held down during a hurricane, ½ long ties 22are shown attached to the sheathing S and underlying rafter R.

The rafters R are spaced 24 inches-on-center. Rafter R1 consists of adoubled-up 2×4. A ½ long tie 22 secures the leading edge of thesheathing S2, and at the trailing edge, another ½ long tie 22 securesthat edge. Another ½ long tie 22 is installed on the rafter R1 for thenext sheet of sheathing to be installed.

Rafter R2 consists of one 2×4. A ½ long tie 22 secures the leading edgeof the sheathing S2, and at the trailing edge, the left part of a longtie 1 secures that edge. The right part of that long tie 1 is securingthe edge of sheathing S1.

Rafter R3 consists of one 2×4. A ½ long tie 22 secures the leading edgeof the sheathing S2, and at the trailing edge, the left part of a longtie 1 secures that edge. The right part of that long tie 1 is securingsheathing S1.

Rafter R4 consists of one 2×4. A ½ long tie 22 secures the leading edgeof sheathing sheets S2 and S3. Further up this rafter, an edge tie 2secures and spaces the sheathing sheets S2 and S3 and nails over therafter R4. At the trailing edge, a locking plate 27 secures that edge,and ties down three sheets of sheathing S1, S2, and S3.

Rafter R5 consists of a 2×8. A ½ long tie 22 secures the leading edge ofthe sheathing S3, and at the trailing edge, another ½ long tie 22secures that edge. Another ½ long tie 22 is installed on the rafter R5to secure sheathing sheet S1.

Rafter R6 consists of a 2×8. A ½ long tie 22 secures the leading edge ofthe sheathing S3, and at the trailing edge, another ½ long tie 22secures that edge. Another ½ long tie 22 is installed on the rafter RSto secure the edge of sheathing sheet S1 and the next sheet to be slidin from the right.

Rafter R7 consists of a 2×8. A ½ long tie 22 secures the leading edge ofthe sheathing S3.

Measuring was not needed for the gap between the sheets at the longdimension (long ties 1), nor was any measurement needed for the ¾ inchsheathing overhang on to the long edge of the rafter (edge ties 2).

This assures that each sheet will be at the right location down theline. In the past, if one sheet was placed down incorrectly, all thefollowing sheets would also be mis-installed.

FIG. 6 also can show how earthquake and hurricane forces act on a house.Forces pushing from the side would try and rock the building.Fortunately, the triangular shaped second offset 5 and second side rib 4of a long tie 1 form gussets, that are very resistant to rotation andracking.

The right angle bend at the left traverse bend 4A forms perpendiculargussets at the second offset 5 and second side rib 4 of a long tie 1,that can absorb and deflect forces from several directions. Up and downforces would be absorbed and transmitted, as would side to sidemovements.

The ties would absorb and transfer forces much better than just nails orscrews. Previous to this invention, when nails were driven into thesheathing and structural member, the nails worked independently toresist forces. With this connector, all the nails driven in theconnector, sheathing, and structural member work together to resistforces.

FIG. 6 also shows how the sheathing behaves during hurricane andearthquake forces, and how all the ties counteract and absorb theseforces. The ties prevent uplift of sheathing, when installed on a roof;and blow out of sheathing, when installed on a wall. But during ahurricane, wind acts on a building in other ways.

If FIG. 6 represents a roof, and the wind was blowing from the left, theforce would try and lift and rack the roof. Hurricanes can last foreight hours or more. Under the constant wind gusts, nails holding downthe sheathing can fatigue or the plywood can split and the sheathingwill separate from the rafter. The ties, with their large surface area,will prevent fatigue from occurring. Winds coming from the bottom, wouldtry and lift the roof, but the ties with their large surface and holdingpower will prevent uplift.

If FIG. 6 represents a wall, an earthquake tremor from below wouldtransmit a force upward and side to side. This force would try and slidethe sheathing over each other. The ties would prevent that fromhappening. Hence forming the wall into a shearwall.

If the earthquake sent a shaking force through the wall, the wall wouldtry and rack or move side to side. Since the studs are securely fastenedto each other using the wall sheathing and ties, the wall will remainstanding. Earth tremors would also try and slide the sheathing over eachother, but the ties would prevent it.

FIG. 7 shows a flat pattern layout of an advanced sheathing tie, anembodiment of a long tie 1.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Thus, the reader will see that the sheathing tie of the inventionprovides a simple and economical connector that allows a builder toquickly, easily, and accurately secure weak parts of a building againstearth tremors and high winds.

While my above description contains many specificities, these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather asan exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many othervariations are possible.

There can be minor variations in size, and materials. For example, theties can have more rounded corners, squarer corners, wavy lines insteadof straight lines, more nailholes, slightly less nailholes, or bethicker or thinner, wider or longer. The ties can be made for 2×4's and¾ inch sheathing, or 2×6's with ⅝ inch sheathing or many othercombinations of sheathing or beam size.

The ties can have different dimensions to fit the particular plans ofthe engineer and architect. In areas that have high winds orearthquakes, the ties could be thicker, wider, or have more nailholes.There could be more or less ties on each sheet, depending on the size ofthe sheet.

The ties can hold down boards instead of sheathing; they can also holddown insulated sheets or metal sheets. If the grasps 20 and 21 wereformed with waves, they could hold down corrugated metal and fiberglassroofs. If the grasps were formed with hills and valleys, the ties couldhold down pan deck (metal forms used to hold concrete for floors, onhigh rise buildings).

The ties can have a variety of shapes stamped in the grasp (20 and 21)or span (6 and 9) to hold down a variety of objects against sheathing.

The ties can have an underpass stamped in the grasp (20 and 21) or span(6 and 9) to hold down cable, wire, belts, or metal bands on top of thesheathing.

The ties can have tongues and groves stamped into the riser tabs (18 and19) and the top of the tabs (5 and 8) for use on sheathing that hastongue and groove edges.

The ties can have a round unitary metal body and ribs (13, 14 and 15),or unitary metal body, ribs and offsets (3, 4, 5, 7, and 8), in order tofit around circular columns.

An edge tie 2 can have an increase in dimension at the left and rightriser tabs 18 and 19 respectively, so that beams can be tied together ontop of beams. Most structural beams are about twice as thick assheathing. For example, 2× lumber is actually 1½ inches thick, andsheathing is ¾ inch thick. All the other dimensions can remain the same.

Where two beams come together, an edge tie 2 will tie them stronglytogether. Previously, beams were toenailed together, a weak connection.When two beams meet on top of a beam, wind and earthquake forces canlift or twist the beams.

On an edge tie 2, if the riser tabs 18 and 19 are as above, and thetread tabs 16 and 17 are elongated, approximately twice their distance,the tie can fasten one structural member on top of another, forming aT-beam. If another beam is fastened on the bottom it will form a strongI-beam. In instances where the rafters are warped, twisted, or bowed,the ties can help straighten them by securing the plywood down tightlywith screws. On rough or un-planed boards, timbers, or beams, the ties,by wrapping around the timbers, form a secure connection to thesheathing.

The ties can be wrapped around different types of structural beamsincluding wood, plastic, metal, concrete, or light-weight compositematerials. The ties can hold down different types of sheathing includingwood, glass, plastic, metal, concrete, slate, and mane-made materials.

The ties can be stamped as mirror images of the flat pattern layouts,for example, creating a tie with the ribs (14 and 15) on reversed sides,and angled saddle (13) facing to the left on FIG. 3A.

The ties can be made of metal by stamping, forging, or casting. The tiescan be made of plastic, by molding or casting. The ties can be made ofrecycled materials. The ties can be made with bright colors, so abuilder or inspector knows they are in position. They can be ofdifferent thicknesses, where the gap between each sheet has to be aspecific distance.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by theembodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for preventing sheathing on a woodframe building from separating from underlying structural members duringstrong winds and earth tremors, comprising: a. a unitary metal bodybeing generally rectangular and flat; b. a first side rib extendingperpendicularly from one side of said body; c. a second side ribextending perpendicularly from an opposing side of said body,  whereinsaid first said side rib is parallel to said second side rib and adaptedto be placed against opposing vertical sides of said structural member;d. a first offset extending perpendicular to said first side rib; e. asecond offset extending perpendicular to said second side rib,  whereinsaid first offset and said second offset extend away from saidstructural member in opposite directions; f. a first span extendingperpendicularly from said first offset and a first trap extending fromsaid first span having a right angle bend along its length; g. a secondspan extending perpendicularly from said second offset and a second trapextending from said second span having a right angle bend along itslength,  wherein said first span and said first trap, and said secondspan and said second trap are parallel to said body and pointing inopposite directions.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said unitarybody, said first side rib, said second side rib, said first offset, saidsecond offset, said first span, said second span, said first trap, andsaid second trap comprise a single piece of stamped sheet metal.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein each of said traps includes a plurality ofholes whereby fasteners are inserted to attach said first trap and saidsecond trap to said sheathing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein eachof said offsets includes a hole whereby fasteners are inserted to attachsaid first offset and said second offset to said structural member. 5.The apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein each of said side ribs includes ahole whereby fasteners are inserted to attach said first side rib andsaid second side rib to said structural member.